The 28-Mile River In Hawaii That Features Countless Jaw-Dropping Cascades
The Hawaiian Islands are an absolute paradise, home to countless pristine beaches, majestic mountains, awe-inspiring jungles, and cascading waterfalls. But there are some spots more heavenly than others, like the meandering Wailuku River. The second largest river in Hawaii, Wailuku River flows 28 miles along the line where lava from Hawaii Island’s two major volcanoes — Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea — meet. The river eroded a gorge in the lava flow and created a simply heavenly landscape we just can’t get enough of.
Meandering from 10,000 feet above sea level along the eastern slope of Mauna Kea to the Pacific Ocean in Hilo, the Wailuku River is a thing of beauty.
A short trail from the parking lot offers views from the waterfall’s summit, and if you visit on a sunny morning, you might experience how the falls got its name — waianuenue means rainbow in Hawaiian. The waterfall is 80 feet tall, and nearly 100 feet in diameter — impressive, considering that many of Hawaii’s greatest waterfalls are mere trickles in comparison.
Located just one mile past the famous Rainbow Falls is an equally gorgeous — but dangerous — natural phenomena; Pe’epe’e Falls, pictured below, feeds a series of several pools known as the boiling pots.
Connected by a series of cascading waterfalls along columns that were formed from the slow cooling of basalt lava, these pools appear to be bubbling — almost as if they were boiling.
Hidden, ethereal, and completely not of this world, this destination is home to at least four stunning waterfalls cascading down a lush, emerald green cliff faces into one striking pool. Unfortunately, the trail to reach this oasis is off-limits.
Equally impressive — and far easier to access — is this series of unnamed waterfalls viewable from the bridge on Wainaku Street in downtown Hilo.
In Hawaiian, wai means fresh water and luku means destruction, so put together, Wailuku translates loosely to "River of Destruction." Fitting given the countless raging waterfalls you'll find here, wouldn't you agree?
Flash flooding in these pools is common, and because there are no lifeguards, many have perished in the river by getting sucked into the water and becoming trapped within concealed lava tubes and caves. In fact, the Wailuku River accounts for approximately 25 percent of all river drowning deaths in the state.
Address: Hilo, HI, 96720
Have you experienced the ethereal beauty of the Wailuku River and its many waterfalls for yourself? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments, then join our Hawaii Nature Lovers Facebook group to share your own photos.
And if you want to experience the best waterfalls Hawaii Island has to offer, click here and embark on an epic waterfall and wine-focused road trip.
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With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
